About 8 out of every 1000 children in India are born with a congenital heart disease (CHD) resulting in about 1.8 lakh babies born every year with a CHD. Of these, about 60,000 to 90,000 have critical CHD, which requires an immediate intervention. Children with high-risk CHD can die if not diagnosed in time and this makes early diagnosis extremely important. Some children with uncorrected heart defect may survive into adulthood and require intervention later.
Congenital heart disease is a result of a defect in the formation of the heart. Care should be taken to avoid medication or alcohol that are likely to interfere with organ formation in the fetus to lower the risk of CHD. Newborns with critical CHD exhibit symptoms that can be identified soon after birth. However, in some cases diagnosis is not possible till a later time.
Though it is not possible to prevent CHD in babies, there are some precautions that can be taken during pregnancy.
- Get vaccinated against rubella and flu
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs
- Taking folic acid supplement during the first trimester relatively lowers the risk of giving birth to a baby with CHD or any other birth defects.
- Do not take any over the counter medication including herbal remedies without consulting doctor.
- Avoid contact with people who have any infection.
- Women with diabetes should try and keep the condition under check.
- Avoid exposure to organic solvents, such as those used in dry cleaning, paint thinners, and nail polish remover.
— Courtesy Indian Medical Association
